Children who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) transplants are at high risk of developing central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The present study aimed to identify possible risk factors for mortality by analyzing the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients diagnosed with CLABSI in our pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant unit.

The initial CLABSI episodes of 102 children were analyzed. Medical records of the patients were evaluated by preformed standardized surveys. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for mortality.

Thirty-five patients (34.3%) were female. The median age was 48 months (3-204). The median time to onset of CLABSI was 19 days (4-150). The gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria ratio among the causative agents was 57.8% to 34.3%. The mortality rate was 12.6%. The presence of severe neutropenia, initiation of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, the presence of hypotension, persistent bacteremia, pediatric intensive care unit admission, growth of carbapenemase-positive gram-negative microorganism and multidrug-resistant bacteria were significantly high in the mortality group when compared to survivors. The presence of hypotension, inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, and persistent bacteremia were found to be independent risk factors for mortality.

Rational use of antibiotics, active surveillance and screening of patients together with improved infection control practices may reduce the incidence and the consequences of CLABSIs.